Penn State Represented Well In Postseason Soccer Rankings
Nine Penn State soccer players were recognized in TopDrawerSoccer’s postseason player rankings that were released on Monday.
Eva Alonso led the way as the No. 7 freshman in the country for women’s soccer. The Spaniard played in every match and was the most consistent piece of a revolving center-back pairing this year. Alonso also scored the game-sealing goal against Vanderbilt in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Alonso was joined by fellow defender Ellie Wheeler in the freshman rankings. Wheeler, who staked her claim to the left-back position, landed at No. 34 nationally. The Virginia native earned her spot after also starting in all 16 matches, adding an assist in the March 18 win over Minnesota.
Along with Alonso and Wheeler, three of Erica Dambach’s players were recognized in the “national” rankings, which take into account all non-freshman players.
After placing No. 2 in the preseason and midseason awards, Sam Coffey dipped to No. 17 following a disappointing postseason. She was joined by striker Ally Schlegel (No. 30) and Frankie Tagliaferri (No. 36). Coffey and Schlegel both plan on returning to Penn State in the fall, while Tagliaferri will head back to her home state of New Jersey to join Rutgers for her final year of eligibility.
Meanwhile on the men’s side, four of the squad’s best performers were recognized in the rankings.
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— Penn State Menβs Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) June 1, 2021
Freshmen:Peter Mangione – 13
Upperclassmen:
Danny Bloyou and Brandon Hackenberg placed No. 37 and No. 41, respectively, in the national rankings.
After transferring from Old Dominion, Bloyou led the team with eight goals and added two assists in his first season as a Nittany Lion. Hackenberg, who led the backline this season, will train with Orlando City SC in the summer before deciding where to continue his soccer career.
TopDrawerSoccer also rated Bloyou’s strike-partner Peter Mangione highly, tabbing him as the No. 13 freshman in the nation. Femi Awodesu joined him on that list at No. 85.
Both teams will return to Jeffrey Field for the fall season in late August. Even better, they’ll be greeted by full-capacity crowds.
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